Overflow valve cover

ABSTRACT

An overflow valve cover includes a planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The planar surface includes a plurality of openings spaced apart along on the planar surface. An angled slat is positioned within each of the plurality of openings. A top edge of a collar is affixed to the circumference of the planar surface. A connector is positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface and extending away from the second surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/041,749 filed on Jun. 19, 2020, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure herein generally relates to an overflow valve cover thatis affixed to an overflow pipe for a bathtub or other water basin.

BACKGROUND

Bathtubs and other water basins include a faucet or water source to fillthe basin, a main drain at the bottom or base of the basin remove waterfrom the basin, and an overflow drain. The overflow drain is typicallypositioned on a vertical wall of the basin and provides another means topermit the removal of water from the basin when the main drain isclogged or closed.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed tooverflow valve cover assemblies that are affixed to an overflow drainwithout the use of any screws or fasteners. In one embodiment, anoverflow valve cover includes a planar surface having a first surfaceand an opposing second surface. The planar surface includes a pluralityof openings spaced apart along on the planar surface. An angled slat ispositioned within each of the plurality of openings. A top edge of acollar is affixed to the circumference of the planar surface. Aconnector is positioned on the inner surface of the planar surface andextending away from the second surface.

In another embodiment, the overflow valve cover includes a circular,planar surface having a first surface and an opposing second surface.The overflow valve cover includes a plurality of openings spaced aparton the planar surface. An angled slat is attached to a bottom edge ofeach of the plurality of openings. A collar is affixed about acircumference of a planar surface, and an opening positioned on at leasta portion of the collar. The overflow valve over includes a couplingpositioned on the inner surface of the planar surface.

In yet another embodiment, an overflow valve system includes an overflowvalve cover comprising: a planar surface having a first surface and anopposing second surface; a plurality of openings spaced apart along onthe planar surface; an angled slat positioned within each of theplurality of openings; a top edge of a collar affixed to thecircumference of the planar surface; and a first connector positioned onthe inner surface of the planar surface and extending away from thesecond surface. The overflow valve system includes an adapter baraffixable to an overflow drain, the adapter bar including a secondconnector extending from the adapter bar. The first connector of theoverflow valve cover engages the second connector of the adapter bar tosecure the overflow valve cover over the overflow drain.

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of thevarious embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the overflow valve cover.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the overflow valve cover from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the overflow valve cover from FIG.1.

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the overflow valve cover from FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a back, perspective view of the overflow valve cover fromFIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a back view of the overflow valve cover from FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter bar.

FIG. 7 is a perspective environmental view of the overflow valve coveraffixed to a bathtub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Briefly, and in general terms, various overflow valve cover assembliesthat are affixed to an overflow drain typically found in bathtubswithout the use of any screws or fasteners are disclosed herein. Theoverflow assembly includes an overflow drain cover and an adapter. Inone embodiment, the overflow drain cover is snapped onto a correspondingadapter that spans the overflow drain opening. The overflow drain coverincludes a front face having a plurality of openings, a drain opening onthe bottom portion of the rim of the overflow drain cover, and the innersurface of the overflow drain cover includes a socket to engage thecorresponding stud on the adapter of the overflow drain. In the otheraspect of the overflow valve drain assembly, an adapter is a generallyplanar bar that includes a first opening on a first end and a secondopening on the second end, which is opposite the first end. The adapterincludes a stud that is positioned approximately at the center of thebar that engages the socket on the overflow valve cover. The adapter isscrewed onto the overflow drain opening at the standard openings of theoverflow drain.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, the overflow drain cover 10 has acircular face 12 and a rim 14. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, there is a bevelededge 13 as the face 12 transitions into the rim 14. In anotherembodiment (not shown), the top edge of the rim is affixed to thecircumference of the face. The rim 14 is an annular structure with aflat wall.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the circular face 12 includes a plurality ofopenings 16. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the openings 16 are rectangularopenings that extend across the circular face 12. The openings 16 aregenerally centered on the front face 12 of the cover 10, approximatelyequally-spaced apart, and approximately equal-length.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the openings may have anyshape or length. For example, the openings may be shaped as circles,polygons, triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagons, hexagons, or anycombination thereof. For example, a single opening may be replaced withmore than one opening (e.g., two or three openings). In alternateembodiments, the ends of the openings may be rounded. In otherembodiments, the openings are spaced apart at different distances. Forexample, there are more openings on the lower portion of the face ascompared to the top of the face. In other embodiments, the openings mayhave varying lengths. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), theopenings near the center of the circular face have a longer length ascompared to the openings at the top and bottom of the circular face.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the openings 16 include louvers 18. The louver 18is a flat strip of material is positioned along the bottom edge of theopening. The louver 18 is angled away from the face 12 of the draincover 10. In one embodiment, the louver 18 is positioned approximately45° (relative to face 12) and located within the opening 16. Whenlooking down on the drain cover 10 or directly at the drain cover (i.e.,front elevation view), the louver 18 minimizes the size and appearanceof the openings 16 thereby providing a more aesthetically pleasingappearance. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the louvers 18 minimize the size ofthe openings. Nevertheless, the openings 16 are still large enoughopenings to permit a higher flow of water through the valve cover 10. Asthose skilled in the art will appreciate, the size, length, and angle ofthe louver relative to the bottom edge of the opening may be varied fromopening to opening on the front face. In one embodiment, the louver (notshown) has a width so it visually appears that there is no opening(i.e., no gap between the top of the louver and the top of the opening).In an alternate embodiment, the louver (not shown) may be attached tothe top edge of the opening.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the drain cover 10 also include a drainopening 20 on the bottom portion of the rim 14. The drain opening 20 isgenerally rectangular in shape. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the drain opening may be any shape or size. In someembodiment, the drain opening 20 includes one or more bars (not shown)or a wire mesh to prevent small items or objects (e.g., jewelry orrings) from being lost via the overflow drain or getting stuck in thedrain opening (e.g., children's fingers). The drain opening 20 and theopenings 16 on the front face permit a higher flow of fluid out of theoverflow drain as compared to traditional overflow drain covers.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrates one embodiment the back surface 22 of the overflowdrain cover 10. As shown in FIG. 4, a connector or coupling such as, butnot limited to, a socket 24 extends away from the back surface 22. InFIG. 4, the socket 24 comprised of two walls 26, 28 extending away fromthe back surface 22 of the drain cover 10. The two walls 26, 28 arecurved and shaped to engage the outer circumference of a correspondingstud located on the overflow drain adapter (shown in FIG. 6). In anotherembodiment, the socket (not shown) may be composed of more than 2 curvedwalls. In yet another embodiment, the socket (not shown) may be acylindrical structure (i.e., a unitary wall). As shown in FIG. 4, theinner surface of the walls 26, 28 that comprise the socket 24 includesthreads 25 or otherwise includes ridges or other protuberances to engagethe corresponding stud on the overflow drain adapter. In anotherembodiment, the inner surface of the walls may be threaded.Additionally, the back surface 22 includes anti-rotating stops 30 a, 30b, 30 c, 30 d that prevent the rotation of the cover 10 relative to theadapter (shown in FIG. 6).

As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the stops 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d are walls thatextend from the rim 14 and back side 22 of the face 12. The stops 30 a,30 b on one side of the cover and the stops 30 b, 30 d on the oppositeside of the cover 10 and are spaced apart at a distance corresponding tothe size of the adapter (not shown). As shown in FIG. 5, the stops 30 a,30 b, 30 c, 30 d are flat walls. In other embodiments, the stops (notshown) may be one or more project parts/supports that extend away fromthe back side 22 of the face and/or rim 14 such as, but not limited to,posts, brackets, pins, flanges, braces, bars, rods, or tabs.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the adapter 32. The adapter 32 is aflat bar that extends across the opening of the overflow drain opening.The adapter 32 includes openings 33 on the opposite sides of the bar.The adapter is attached to the overflow drain by securing the adapter tothe standard openings provided on a overflow drain. The adapter 32 maybe screwed or otherwise attached to the opening of the overflow drain.The adapter 32 includes a stud 34 that extends away from the surface ofthe adapter. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface of the stud 34includes threads 35. In alternate embodiments, the stud (not shown) mayhave ridges, protuberances, or surfaces that engage the surface of theinner surface of the socket. In another embodiment (not shown), thelocations of the stud and the socket are reversed (i.e., the socket isattached to the adapter and the stud is attached to the inner surface 22of the overflow cover).

FIG. 7 shows the overflow drain cover 10 attached to the overflow drainin a bathtub 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the openings 16 on the front face12 are horizontally oriented. In an alternate embodiment, the openings(not shown) may be vertically oriented. In yet another embodiment, theopenings (not shown) may have varying widths. For example, in avertically oriented opening, the base of the opening is wider ascompared to the top of the opening.

Although an embodiment has been described with reference to specificexample embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications andchanges may be made to these embodiments without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specification anddrawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show by way ofillustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which thesubject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may beutilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logicalsubstitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof this disclosure.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used tointerpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, inthe foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various featuresare grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure.

1. An overflow valve cover, comprising: a planar surface having a firstsurface and an opposing second surface; a plurality of openings spacedapart along on the planar surface; an angled slat positioned within eachof the plurality of openings; a top edge of a collar affixed to thecircumference of the planar surface; and a connector positioned on theinner surface of the planar surface and extending away from the secondsurface.
 2. The cover of claim 1, further comprising at least oneopening on at least a portion of the collar.
 3. The cover of claim 1,wherein the openings are generally rectangularly-shaped.
 4. The cover ofclaim 3, wherein the openings are of equal lengths.
 5. The cover ofclaim 1, wherein the connector comprises a first curved wall and asecond curved wall, wherein the first and second curved walls mirror oneanother to define a socket.
 6. The cover of claim 1, further comprisingat least 2 opposing walls extending from the second surface, wherein theopposing walls prevent the rotation of the overflow valve cover whencoupled to an outflow valve.
 7. An overflow valve cover, comprising: acircular, planar surface having a first surface and an opposing secondsurface; a plurality of openings spaced apart on the planar surface; anangled slat attached to a bottom edge of each of the plurality ofopenings; a collar affixed about a circumference of a planar surface; anopening positioned on at least a portion of the collar; and a couplingpositioned on the inner surface of the planar surface.
 8. The cover ofclaim 7, wherein the openings are generally rectangularly-shaped.
 9. Thecover of claim 8, wherein the openings are of equal lengths.
 10. Thecover of claim 7, wherein the coupling comprises a first curved wall anda second curved wall, wherein the first and second curved walls mirrorone another to define a socket.
 11. The cover of claim 7, furthercomprising at least 2 opposing walls extending from the second surface,wherein the opposing walls prevent the rotation of the overflow valvecover.
 12. An overflow valve system, comprising: an overflow valve covercomprising: a planar surface having a first surface and an opposingsecond surface; a plurality of openings spaced apart along on the planarsurface; an angled slat positioned within each of the plurality ofopenings; a top edge of a collar affixed to the circumference of theplanar surface; and a first connector positioned on the inner surface ofthe planar surface and extending away from the second surface; anadapter bar affixable to an overflow drain, the adapter bar including asecond connector extending from the adapter bar; and wherein the firstconnector of the overflow valve cover engages the second connector ofthe adapter bar to secure the overflow valve cover over the overflowdrain.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the overflow valve coverfurther comprises at least one opening on at least a portion of thecollar.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the openings of the overflowvalve cover are generally rectangularly-shaped.
 15. The system of claim14, wherein the openings of the overflow valve cover are of equallengths.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the first connectorcomprises a first curved wall and a second curved wall, wherein thefirst and second curved walls mirror one another to define a socket. 17.The system of claim 16, wherein the second connector comprises a studinsertable into the socket of the first connector.
 18. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the second connector comprises a first curved wall anda second curved wall, wherein the first and second curved walls mirrorone another to define a socket.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein thefirst connector comprises a stud insertable into the socket of thesecond connector.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the overflow valvecover further comprises at least 2 opposing walls extending from thesecond surface, wherein the opposing walls engage the opposing edges ofthe adapter bar, and wherein the opposing walls prevent the rotation ofthe overflow valve cover when coupled to an outflow valve.